Since 1979, The Nylons have performed over 1,000 concerts in dozens of tours worldwide, including Japan, Korea, China, Australia, Europe, Brazil, the United States and Canada. Aside from a small private function on the Big Island years ago, however, the
Since 1979, The Nylons have performed over 1,000 concerts in dozens of tours worldwide, including Japan, Korea, China, Australia, Europe, Brazil, the United States and Canada.
Aside from a small private function on the Big Island years ago, however, the Toronto-based a cappella group has never sang for Hawaii. And founder Claude Morrison says the Big Island performance doesn’t count.
“This will be our Hawaiian debut,” he said of the pair of shows this weekend at Kauai Community College’s Performing Arts Center in Lihue.
The Nylons perform Saturday and Sunday as a joint fundraiser for Kauai Humane Society and the Kauai Concert Association.
“It sounds like a special performance,” Morrison said by phone from Toronto. “I’m an animal guy, especially dogs. So I’m more than happy to lend my energy to that.”
The Nylons are best known for their covers of pop songs such as The Turtles’ “Happy Together,” Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye,” and The Tokens’ version of the traditional “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” according to KCA’s website.
The band’s current lineup includes Morrison (tenor), Garth Mosbaugh (tenor), Gavin Hope (baritone) and Tyrone Gabriel (bass). Morrison is the only original member still with the band today.
“The Nylons are renowned for their vibrant live shows, featuring dazzling harmonies, smooth arrangements, tight choreography, and fabulous showmanship,” states their website.
Morrison said his group’s first performance occurred on a “cold, dark February night” in Toronto in 1979, with maybe a dozen people in attendance. After finishing the few songs they had in their repertoire at the time, the “crowd” insisted they start the set over.
The rest is history. And this month, The Nylons are celebrating 35 years.
“Some things take on a life of their own,” Morrison said. “And this was one of them.”
For Morrison, it has been, and still is, a great ride — one that has allowed him to do what he enjoys and travel the world.
When asked what Kauai fans can expect this weekend, Morrison said, “The short answer is a good time.”
“There’s lots of laughs,” he said. “We poke fun at each other, at the audience, but the music is very tight. No two shows are ever exactly the same.”
The Nylons are always open to audience requests.
Among the most interesting for Morrison over the years have been Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and Freddie Mercury’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
“Give the people what they want,” Morrison said. “We say, ‘Hey, this is your show. You tell us what you want to hear.’”
While it will be his first performance on Kauai, Morrison vacationed on Kauai for a week about 30 years ago.
“I’m glad to be coming back,” he said.
The Nylons are celebrating their JUNO nomination for Best Jazz Vocal Album for their 15th release, “Skin Tight.” The CD features an collection of jazz standards, original songs and well-known classics.
With seven gold and platinum recordings, this four-member vocal group is one of Canada’s top international success stories.
The Nylons perform at 7 p.m. Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday at the KCC Performing Arts Center. Tickets cost $50 for adults, $25 for students.
To purchase tickets or for more information, call 245-SING or visit kauai-concert.org.
